Secret ‘feud’ between two BBC stars as they go 90 days without presenting flagship show together after ‘clash of egos’
TWO radio stars have gone months without co-presenting due to a “clash of egos”, it has been reported.
Nick Robinson, 61, and Emma Barnett, 40, both host the Beeb‘s Today programme on Radio 4.
But sources have alleged their is “tension” between the pair leading to a lack of airtime together.
The duo are not believed to have been seen together for 90 days, according to The Times.
Barnett and Robinson have also only co-presented on 13 occasions on the show, which has nearly six million listeners.
One senior source said: “Nick has his views about the programme and can be quite blunt.
“Every time [Barnett] is on, she is paired with Justin or Amol because it’s amicable.”
“Emma and Nick are going to have to appear together again at some point because they are a team,” they added.
It comes after suggestions the presenters might rarely appear together due to the departure of Mishal Husain.
Their schedule is likely to settle with the arrival of Anna Foster, who is replacing Husain.
The Sun has contacted the BBC for comment.
Barnett began hosting Women’s Hour at the age of 26 but left the show last year.
She revealed the shake-up on Instagram with a heartfelt post, saying: “Deep breath: Some work news… I am leaving the mighty mothership @bbcwomanshour and joining the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 and making more TV shows with my big interviews and some new documentaries across the BBC.
“It was a big decision and here are some of my thoughts which the BBC has just published… more to say soon.
“We are living in volatile times where sometimes even asking a question can seem risky – wrongly so.
“My ambition on the @bbctodayprogramme is to keep asking the questions that listeners want answers to – as well as raising many smiles along the way – while armed with a very strong cup of tea.
“I am delighted to be joining a programme that occupies such a unique space in British life and to also have the opportunity to expand my work across BBC TV and News.”
Foster recently confirmed she has left her position as the anchor of BBC News At One.
Her role on the lunchtime news show came after stints hosting the News at Six and the News at Ten.
But she is now turning her back on the TV news bulletins in order to become a leading presenter on Radio 4’s long-running flagship programme.
From next month, Anna will be in the roster of main presenters on the programme.
She will undertake her hosting duties from both London as well as the BBC’s base in Salford at MediaCityUK.
Speaking about bagging her new role, Anna said in a statement: “There are few more exciting opportunities for a journalist than presenting Today, and I’m thrilled to be joining the team.
“I’ve always loved making important, agenda-setting, engaging radio, and there’s nowhere better to do that.
“It’s such a beloved programme to so many people, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”